Book A CALL

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

Price — $$$ / $$$$

570 W Ave 26 • Los Angeles • California

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens Website

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens is a historic event facility near downtown LA, offering lush garden courtyards and elegant indoor spaces. Perfect for weddings and special events, it features amenities like a bridal room, prep room, free parking, and professional catering services.

This data may not be completely accurate. Please ensure you visit the vendor website for all details. These venue details were last updated on May 24th, 2024

A Hidden Gem for Weddings and Events in Los Angeles

Visiting the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens is like discovering an unexpected treasure. Located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, this stunning event facility is a hidden jewel, sequestered behind thick, ivy-covered walls. The entrance features a wide, circular brick driveway with a spreading Ficus tree at its center, leading to an arched, wrought-iron gate that reveals the beauty within.

The Main Courtyard

Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a small, charming courtyard that sets the tone for the rest of the venue. The Main Courtyard is an expansive, multi-level patio enclosed on three sides by arcaded terraces. This picturesque space is adorned with pepper trees, beds of roses, agapanthus, daylilies, and a striking three-tiered fountain in a tiled reflecting pool, surrounded by flower-filled terra cotta pots. This courtyard serves as an ideal location for both ceremonies and receptions, accommodating up to 600 guests for outdoor events.

The San Fernando Courtyard

Adjacent to the Main Courtyard, the San Fernando Courtyard offers a broad patio with an adjoining lawn, shaded by a magnificent old Ficus tree. This area provides a tranquil, private setting, perfect for ceremonies or smaller receptions, with a capacity of up to 300 guests. The lawn is often used for ceremonies, while the patio is ideal for dining and dancing.

Indoor Spaces

For indoor celebrations or large meetings, the California Building offers a spacious event area with a Mexican-tile floor, arched windows, and a peaked skylight that floods the room with natural light. This space can accommodate up to 250 guests for a ceremony and 200 for a reception. The Los Feliz Room is available for smaller meetings and conferences.

Amenities and Services

  • Event Spaces: Main Courtyard, San Fernando Courtyard, California Building Atrium
  • Capacity: Up to 600 guests outdoors, 200 guests indoors
  • Amenities: Public restrooms, free parking for up to 150 cars, bridal room, prep room for caterer use, fireplace, large bar, and small cocktail bar
  • Availability: 12-hour event block from 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with setup and breakdown time included

Historic Charm and Modern Convenience

The Los Angeles River Center & Gardens, once known as Lawry’s California Center, retains its original Early California style with a bell tower and old-growth gardens. The venue’s lush garden courtyards, historic halls, and secluded, picturesque landscapes make it a perfect setting for weddings, galas, fundraisers, and a variety of other events.

Restrictions and Requirements

Due to the venue’s focus on land conservation and ecological restoration, there are some restrictions:

  • No outside caterers allowed; choose from an approved list of caterers.
  • No decorations affixed to buildings or trees; no rice, balloons, doves, or confetti.
  • Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.
  • Pets are allowed under special conditions.

Contact Information

For more information or to book the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens for your special event, contact the MRCA Event Coordinator at (323) 221-9944 ext. 220 or via email at riverevents@mrca.ca.gov.

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens Details

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens Availability

Year-Round

Daily

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens Pricing

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens is rated as $$$ / $$$$ in terms of pricing.

The price of Los Angeles River Center & Gardens ranges anywhere from $9400 to $24200

This venue requires a refundable security deposit of $3000

These factors affect the venue price:

Guest Count

Season

Day of the Week

Holiday

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens Capacity Information

Area

Ceremony

Reception

Standing

Main Courtyard

300

400

800

California Building - Atrium (Indoors)

250

200

300

San Fernando Courtyard

300

250

500

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens Policies

12 hour time block

Time Block Includes Setup & Breakdown

Additional Time Purchasable

Preferred Caterers Only

Bring Your Own Alcohol

Licensed Servers Required

Amplified Music Allowed Indoors & Outoors

No Quiet Hours

Smoking is Allowed in Designated Areas

Venue-Provided Amenities

100 Parking Spots

Restrooms

BasiC Electrictity

Tap Water

Bridal Room

Catering Prep room

Fireplace

FAQs

What time can events take place?

Friday – Sunday: 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.

For private events the 12-hour block of time includes setup, the event and breakdown. For nonprofit events the 6-hour block of time includes setup, the event and breakdown.

How many people can you accommodate?

The number of people depends on how the areas are used and the style of event. Wedding receptions in the Main Courtyard are best with 350 or fewer guests. Prom receptions the Main Courtyard is best for 500 or fewer guests.

What happens if it rains on the day of my event?

In case of rain the Atrium can accommodate 200 or fewer guests if using the lower and upper level, or you can tent the San Fernando Courtyard. The San Fernando Courtyard can accommodate 250 or fewer guests. You cannot tent the Main Courtyard.

Can I bring an outside caterer?

The Los Angeles River Center & Gardens has an exclusive caterer list. We do not allow outside caterers.

Can alcohol be served?

Yes. All beverages must be served by a licensed caterer or bartender. Kegs are not allowed.

Is insurance required?

No. Liability insurance coverage is included in the cost.

What does rental include? What other charges apply?

The standard rental includes: The Main Courtyard, San Fernando Courtyard, Atrium (indoor space, four (4) sets of fully stocked restrooms, a bridal room, a prep room for caterer use, fireplace, one (1) large bar, (1) small cocktail bar, free parking for vehicles and liability insurance. Cost of the MRCA Event Monitor and liability insurance coverage is included.

You will need to work with outside vendors for rentals (tables, chairs, etc.), coordinator, and other event needs.

Is anything prohibited?

The Los Angeles River Center & Gardens is owned by a conservancy and we have rules that all rental events must follow for the safety of guests and the property. Full rules & regulations are provided in the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens guidelines and our vendor acknowledgment forms.

preferred caterers

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens does not allow outside vendors for catering, so you'll need to choose from this list.

Asian
Panda Catering

Katrina Guevara or Annie Delgadillo

(888) 774-4478pandacatering@pandarg.com

preferred Rentals

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens does not allow outside vendors for rentals, so you'll need to choose from this list.